Master Rank #665

A Canterbury Tale

1944

GCML Total7.3040% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell

CastEric Portman · Sheila Sim · Dennis Price

UKEnglishWar / Thriller124 minNot Rated
Sight & SoundNarrative FeatureModerate pace
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

Three people arrive in a village in Southern England in the early years of World War 2.

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During World War II, American sergeant Bob Johnson, British soldier Peter Gibbs, and Land Girl Alison Smith are stranded overnight in a Kent village. Investigating the mysterious 'Glue Man' who attacks local women draws them into Canterbury roads, history, and private longings.

Why it belongs

In A Canterbury Tale, three temporary travelers cross wartime Kent as Powell and Pressburger trace a pilgrimage through landscape, history, chance encounters, and quiet renewal.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Each traveler receives recognition rather than miracle. Blackout streets, glue, organ music, hop fields, cathedral bells, old roads, letters, and Erwin Hillier's deep-focus landscapes connect comic mystery to spiritual continuity.

Major award wins

No verified wins in this six-institution crosswalk.

Awards are reference metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

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